Fort Bend County Libraries Unveil Winners of First-Ever Library-Card Design Contest
A library card is more than just a key to books—it’s a passport to imagination, history, and connection. And this fall, Fort Bend County residents will get to carry a little piece of local creativity in their wallets, thanks to three talented artists whose work will soon be printed on official, limited-edition Fort Bend County Libraries (FBCL) cards.
This summer, FBCL launched its first-ever Library-Card Design Contest, inviting residents of all ages to put pen, pencil, or paintbrush to paper and show what libraries mean to them. The theme—“Our Stories, Our Community”—inspired a wave of heartfelt entries from across the county, all submitted the old-fashioned way: hand-drawn, no computers allowed.
The result? More than 175 original works of art, each one brimming with personal meaning and a deep love for books, storytelling, and community.
Three winners were selected, one from each age group: children (ages 0–12), teens (13–17), and adults (18+). Submissions were judged by library staff from across the FBCL system, who evaluated entries for creativity, theme relevance, visual impact, readability, and smart use of space.
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And the winning artists are:
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Child (0–12 years): Hayden Kinder, age 11, representing the Cinco Ranch Branch Library, for his colorful piece titled “Books Build the World.”
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Teen (13–17 years): Zoha Azim of the Sienna Branch Library, whose winning design, “A Community Built on Knowledge,” wove people and books together in a thoughtful mosaic.
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Adult (18+): Nguyen Nguyen, also from the Cinco Ranch Branch Library, for their entry “Immersed in Other Worlds”—a vivid tribute to how reading opens up endless possibilities.
“All three entries have a universal appeal that will resonate with a broad range of Fort Bend County residents,” said Library Director Roosevelt Weeks. “We truly have some phenomenal talent in Fort Bend County! I think library-card holders will have a hard time choosing between these limited-edition cards!”
The winning designs will debut on Monday, September 2, just in time for National Library Card Sign-Up Month, and will be available at all Fort Bend County Libraries locations, while supplies last.
For many residents, these new cards are more than a fun perk—they’re a symbol of local pride. They also serve as a reminder of the power of stories to unite a diverse and ever-growing community.
If you’re a Texas resident without an FBCL card, you can get one for free by visiting any branch with a valid photo ID. If your ID doesn’t show your current address, just bring a piece of mail or another document that does. Already have a card but want to upgrade to one of the new designs? You can swap yours out for just $2.
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The library hopes this creative contest will become an annual tradition—and based on the overwhelming response, it’s safe to say the community agrees. As the new school year kicks off and families prepare for fall, these hand-drawn cards offer a beautiful reason to reconnect with the library, whether in person or online.
To learn more, visit fortbendlibraries.gov or contact the library system’s Communications Office at 281-633-4734.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
